GARDENING SOCIETY: The May meeting was held at the Methodist Hall, Bidford. The chairman announced that the afternoon outing on May 5 had been a success, visiting Brook Cottage, a private garden in Newent, and then returning via an orchid farm.

The speaker was Michael Ecob, a judge at last year's annual show, who gave a talk entitled The Clun Valley Natural History and Gardens in South Shropshire, where he lived in the 1960s. His slides were a nostalgic trip down memory lane, showing the old methods of farming, and hedgerows and banks full of wild flowers. Members learned about some of the local history and wildlife.

The competition entitled A Nosegay was won by Tessa Webb, second Joan Kerr, third Beryl Ashton.

Next month, instead of the usual monthly meeting, there will be an all day outing to Waterperry Gardens, Oxford leaving at 10am. In July there will be a gardeners' question session. The annual show will be on August 18 at the Crawford Memorial Hall.

New members and visitors are welcome. For information contact 01789 268974.